Strategic study for the storage of spent fuel at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant

Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) trusted INGECID to participate in the strategic study aimed at defining the future spent fuel storage system for the Barakah nuclear power plant, a key infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates' energy strategy.

The project made it possible to define the technical, regulatory, and economic requirements for all phases of storage, from system selection to facility commissioning. It also identified site selection criteria, established licensing procedures with the regulator, and conducted an analysis of costs, technological alternatives, and strategies tailored to the specific context of the country.

Participation in this project strengthened INGECID's international presence, allowing it to export its expertise in the nuclear sector globally. The Barakah nuclear power plant, located in Abu Dhabi (UAE), is the first nuclear plant in the Arab world and one of the most ambitious energy projects of recent decades. With four APR-1400 reactors using South Korean technology and a total capacity of 5,600 MW, Barakah came to cover up to 25% of the country's electricity demand, avoiding the emission of more than 22 million tons of CO₂ per year and becoming a key pillar for the national goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

In addition to its environmental and energy impact, Barakah stood out for its record-breaking execution, compliance with international regulatory standards, and for positioning the United Arab Emirates as a global leader in civil nuclear energy. This project served as a model of how technology, planning, and strategic ambition can converge to transform a nation's energy future.